Meet Dean Brown
@illumebrowskinstudio | Chicago, IL | 8-Year Esthetician
Why did you choose esthetics as your career and how did you get started in the industry?
I got started in the industry when I started as a makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics back in 2005. I fell into doing brows around 5 years later, and I got licensed 8 years ago in 2017. It's a backwards trajectory and there's a story there, but I've been in beauty for two decades!
How did you decide which services to add to your menu when opening Illume Brow & Skin Studio?
I combined what I knew and loved from my experience doing brows, then infused my love for skin & skincare to include facials, and also incorporated lash lifts to complete the trifecta of specialties here at Illume.
Do you think your presence in the industry helps encourage more men to take self-care seriously?
I honestly can't say that I have encouraged more men to take self-care seriously LOL. My clientele is 95% women and I've worked with women for as long as I can remember. I've thought about appealing more to men as a client base with my marketing but it never seems to stick when I do.
What’s next for Illume? What plans are you working toward?
We just moved locations and are thrilled to be in our new space. We have windows, exposed brick, and a little more room to wiggle than our previous space. We really hope to continue building our books, get the word out there that we are the premium destination for putting your Best Face Forward (your BFF!), and expand our reach in the city. My hope is to one day build a team and find a bigger space to accommodate that.
What’s your go-to playlist or vibe when you’re in the studio?
I love an alternative and chill R&B situation. Think SZA, Sabrina Claudio, Coco Jones, H.E.R., Kehlani, Mariah the Scientist, Summer Walker. Of course there is also a sprinkle of Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tate McRae in there. Oh, and Olivia Dean. The music vibes in the space are immaculate.
